AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf is keeping his fingers crossed David Beckham returns to the club for another loan spell in January.

The England midfielder said after his country's 3-0 win over Belarus last night that the deal for him to rejoin I Rossoneri in the winter transfer window - a move he wants to improve his chances of making Fabio Capello's 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ squad - was "95 per cent" done.

"Beckham can certainly help Milan," declared Seedorf. "I would be happy if he returns. We became friends during his loan spell here, and for that reason it would make me happy to see him return.

It will be good for Milan and for him too because it would be a pity not to see him in the World Cup.
AC Milan's Clarence Seedorf on David Beckham's proposed return to the club

"I have been in contact with him several times and, if the deal can be done, it will be good for Milan and for him too because it would be a pity not to see him in the World Cup. He is a player who has already given an important contribution to Milan, and I am convinced that he would continue to do so if he returns to Milan."

Beckham returned to Los Angeles Galaxy in the summer after a successful loan spell with Milan, during which he helped the club finish fourth in Serie A with two goals in 18 league appearances.

The 34-year-old was named man of the match for England last night, despite having played for only just over 30 minutes in their final South Africa 2010 qualifier.